Plans to allow nurseries to increase the number of children that they care for
will be announced by ministers next week.

Under the proposals, to be set out on Tuesday, nurseries that employ a high
percentage of well-qualified staff will be allowed to let one carer look
after six toddlers at any one time — compared with four currently — and up
to four under-ones, compared with three now.

It is hoped that the move will lead to lower childcare costs for thousands of
parents. A simplified system of qualifications will also be introduced so
that parents know the calibre of staff